But, it appears something about supporting motor neurone disease research struck a chord with the children and their families.

Preschool director Kelly Constable said the centre heard about Muswellbrook Fire and Rescue NSW’s involvement in the Firies Climb for MND through casual staff member Lisa Morgan who was signed up for the event.

Another staff member, Kate Simpson’s son Luke is also joining the climb.

Ms Constable said it was a very important cause because there was no known cure for the disease.

“It’s something that is important to a lot of us here at preschool,” she said, adding the children understood their centre was raising money to help people.

“We did a walkathon last week.

“All of the children participated.

“They did laps around the preschool.

“Then we sent home little sponsorship forms and the donations that came back from our families were just phenomenal.”

Originally, the preschool was hoping to contribute a few hundred dollars to the cause.

To their amazement, families and staff supported the children’s walkathon efforts to the tune of $3242.90.

“It was a massive effort from all of our families,” Ms Constable said.

“As the dollars rolled in we just couldn’t believe it.

“It just goes to show, it is something that is recognised in our community that needs some help.”

One of the centre’s children, Elsie Foot, presented the cheque to the firefighters on Friday, in honour of her Nanna, who passed away from motor nuerone disease.

Elsie’s mother Kristal said many people knew someone who had been affected by motor neurone disease.

“It is a cruel and heartbreaking disease that slowly robs someone of muscles that enable them to move, speak, breath and swallow,” she said.

“It is a progressive and terminal disease with no present cure and, once diagnosed, the average life expectancy is just two-and-a-half years.

“In 2008, Elsie Foot’s much loved Nanna, Diane Foot, was diagnosed with MND.

“She had been an active and healthy wife, mother and grandmother, and after a brave fight, passed away in 2012.

“Elsie and her family know first hand how devastating this disease is, and Elsie, along with everyone at the Preschool, was really keen to raise as much money as possible to support the wonderful fundraising efforts of the firefighters.

“Elsie hopes the money everyone raised will one day help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.”

Mrs Constable said the preschool would like to wish the firefighters all the best in their climb, and thank for their efforts in doing this for those affected by the disease.